Fred. Olsen Renewables has launched proposals to create a solar farm at Crystal Rig Wind Farm. The plans for solar PV panels on the land around the turbines could generate enough green energy to power more than 21,000 homes.

Crystal Rig is Fred. Olsen Renewables flagship onshore renewable project and is located between Dunbar in East Lothian and Duns in the Scottish Borders. The wind farm commenced operation in 2003 and by 2025 will generate over 260MV of clean, green electricity – capable of powering over 200,000 homes. The Crystal Rig solar project will generate an additional 27.5MW of green energy.

Rachel Baird, Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented:

“We are delighted to launch the plans for our first large-scale solar project in Scotland. The solar panels will work alongside the existing wind farm to maximise the overall potential of the site and to secure a more consistent energy supply.

“We will be writing to local residents around the project site to invite them to our consultation events and I hope that they will view the plans and give us their feedback. This is vital in helping to shape our proposal.”

The plans can be viewed on Tuesday 28th February at Garvald Village Hall from 10am – 2pmand Innerwick Village Hall from 3pm – 7pm. The team will also be at Cockburnspath Village Hall on Wednesday 1st March from 10am – 2pm.

The solar project could deliver over £480,000 in community benefit to the surrounding towns and villages throughout the 35-year lifetime of the project.

Continuing Rachel said: “We are really excited about the possibilities that our solar project could present. It has the potential to make a significant contribution towards meeting Scotland’s net zero targets and is a fantastic example of how different renewable technologies can work together to ensure that we are delivering a consistent supply of clean, green energy to the grid.”